BLOOD OF THE MOTHERBy BertaS

Chapter 8

Description: In which Snape makes a choice and Harry has a discussion with Dumbledore and Voldie.

It all belongs to JKR

The Weirdoes Are On Our Side

Taking one of the jackets and putting it on, Harry said with a grin, "The Weirdoes are on our side."

Harry went to the cupboard under the stairs and pulled out two staves, each had the large silver ornament on top. One was the head of a basilisk with a large yellow stone in its mouth, the other which he held out to Snape had and almost identical stone held in a raptors talon.

"You will watch my back won't you, Professor?" He said.

As Snape's hand closed around the black shaft of the staff there was a flash of silvery light and his hair moved in a non-existent breeze.

Snape's mind was whirling, he could feel that most of the compulsions and other spells that had been placed on him where gone or would be soon. In one fell swoop, Potter, the brat who's life he had been making a living hell for the last five years had given him, the greasy git, more than the Dark Lord or Dumbledore had ever even thought of promising.

Still smiling Severus Snape bowed formally, "As you wish Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled as they went out the door. He was glad that he had made the second staff. Of course, bribing Dung, to let them sneak away was a stroke of genius worthy of any Slytherin on Dudley's part.

Harry would have to tell the Professor later as the Raptor Staff had apparently chosen him.

Dudley stood by the door as Harry and Professor Snape headed down the walk.

There was a pop of apparition and Dumbledore was standing between Harry and Voldemort, but to one side so that they formed a triangle about 10 feet to a side.

Harry leaned on his staff, "Goodness, I didn't realize I was hosting a party today." He glanced around smirking, "Sorry I can't invite you all in." He looked at Peter Petigrew who had just stepped around the garden wall inside the wards, "It would not be good for your health." He watched Peter crumple to the ground.

Voldemort and Dumbledore where staring at Snape, who raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

"I believe, Professor Snape, everyone wants to know why the wards aren't attacking you, like they are poor Peter there." Harry gestured to the lump on the grass by the garden wall where the man had passed out.

Snape's only reaction was to smile serenely and move his arm so that the new Tattoo was visible to all. There were several gasps from people on both sides and partly because of the changed mark and partly because of the smile.

When Voldemort eyes returned to Harry they were full of curiosity and a tiny amount of fear.

Harry glanced at the now smirking Snape, then back to the two old men, "I do hope you will forgive me…" he started.

Dumbledore interrupted, "Harry, you have no need to apologize to Tom."

Harry made an impatient motion with one hand and there was a shimmering bubble around the four forming the triangle, Harry and Severus at one point and Dumbledore and the Voldemort forming the other two.

All three of the older men looked shocked at this display of power and Harry spoke harshly, "It is usually considered polite to ask before releasing another man's pet. Forgive me Severus, but that is how they both think of you." He continued looking at Dumbledore, "It is rude to take something that others perceive to be theirs, even though they are mistaken."

The Dark Lord nodded, "I quite agree, though Snape has not truly been mine for some time," he looked at Snape, "Have you Severusss?"

"Indeed." Replied Snape surprised that he no longer felt compelled to kneel or otherwise debase himself.

"I believe it is time for Severus to publicly declare his true allegiance." Said Dumbledore confidently, "However, inside a silencing bubble is hardly considered public."

Harry looked at Snape who shrugged

With a wave of his hand the spell started to dissipate, "Fine, let me just say that there are no longer any compulsions on that mark." He gestured toward Snape's arm, "That is a mark of protection, not control. You, Professor, are free to choose your own path.

Both Dumbledore and Voldemort looked slightly shocked though Voldie looked more thoughtful and Dumbledore more irritated.

Severus Snape's voice was not loud but the velvet baritone carried to all those waiting for the signal to begin the battle. "My allegiance belongs to the man who has earned my respect and trust," pausing to bow deeply, "Mr. Harry Potter,"

Chapter 9 – Rest in Peace

In which we see the last of old Tommy boy.